Get ready to elevate your fried rice game with these 18 mouth-watering recipes! Whether you’re looking for a classic Chinese-inspired dish, a spicy Thai twist, or a fusion of international flavors, we’ve got you covered. From savory and satisfying to sweet and tangy, each recipe on this list is designed to please even the pickiest eaters.
From simple staples like garlic butter shrimp fried rice to more adventurous options like kimchi fried rice with crispy pork belly, there’s something for everyone on this menu. And don’t worry if you’re a vegetarian or vegan – we’ve included plenty of delicious and protein-packed options to suit your taste. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and start experimenting with these flavorful fried rice recipes!
Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice
Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice Recipe
Egg fried rice is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine, and this classic recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good plate of stir-fried goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and some quick cooking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Push the mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the onion-garlic mixture.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is well coated with the egg and vegetable mixture.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
Spicy Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of Thai chilies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-2 Thai chilies, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add mixed veggies, pineapple, Thai chilies, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet or wok; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Pork Belly
Elevate your fried rice game with the bold flavors of kimchi and crispy pork belly. This recipe combines the comforting familiarity of a Chinese staple with the spicy kick of Korean kimchi.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup diced crispy pork belly (see note)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped kimchi and cook until slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Push the kimchi to one side of the pan. Crack in the egg and scramble it until cooked through.
4. Mix the egg with the kimchi. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
5. Add the crispy pork belly and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with garlic butter and savory seasonings for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup garlic butter (homemade or store-bought)
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push vegetables aside; add shrimp and garlic butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Stir-fry rice with soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Combine rice mixture with vegetables and shrimp. Cook for an additional minute to ensure everything is coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Tofu Fried Rice
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines the savory taste of tofu, mixed vegetables, and rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, corn, green beans)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the mixed frozen vegetables and cooked tofu to the pan. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry until the rice is heated through and starting to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice recipe combines the savory taste of teriyaki sauce with juicy chicken and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunchbox treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cooked chicken; stir-fry until combined.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Stir in teriyaki sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Indonesian Nasi Goreng with Fried Egg
Nasi goreng, a classic Indonesian dish, is a flavorful and filling fried rice recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This version adds the richness of a fried egg on top.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack an egg into the other side and scramble until cooked through.
5. Mix egg with vegetables.
6. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry until combined.
7. Serve hot, topped with a fried egg and garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Omurice with Ketchup Fried Rice
A popular Japanese dish that combines the flavors of an omelette, rice, and ketchup. This recipe is a twist on traditional omurice, adding a sweet and savory ketchup fried rice to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice (about 1 cup)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, peas)
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– Optional: soy sauce, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the omelette: Beat eggs with milk and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture and cook until almost set.
2. Add mixed vegetables and fold omelette in half. Cook for another minute, then slide onto a plate.
3. Prepare the ketchup fried rice: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add cooked Japanese rice and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
4. Add mixed vegetables and ketchup to the rice mixture. Stir-fry for another minute, then serve alongside the omelette.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Mexican-Inspired Fried Rice with Black Beans
This flavorful dish combines the warmth of Mexico with the comfort of fried rice. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is packed with protein-rich black beans, crunchy vegetables, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup cooked black beans
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in the cooked black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet; stir-fry until combined with the vegetables and seasonings.
6. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curry Fried Rice with Peas and Carrots
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the warmth of curry powder with the sweetness of peas and carrots. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed peas and carrots
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add peas and carrots; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Add curry powder; stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. If using eggs, push rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs; scramble until cooked through. Mix eggs into the rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Fried Rice with Scallions
Savor the sweet and smoky flavors of BBQ pork mixed with savory fried rice, topped with crunchy scallions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced BBQ pork
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 scallions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the diced BBQ pork and stir-fry until well combined with the rice.
7. Transfer the fried rice mixture to a serving platter and top with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Fried Rice with Mango Slices
Elevate your rice game with this sweet and savory fusion dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the natural sweetness of mango slices. This tropical twist on traditional fried rice is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh mango slices, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add the mixed veggies; cook until tender (2-3 minutes).
4. Stir in cooked rice, coconut milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve hot with fresh mango slices on top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemongrass Beef Fried Rice
Elevate your fried rice game with this aromatic and flavorful dish that combines the brightness of lemongrass with the richness of beef. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye work well)
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the lemongrass and garlic to the pan; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Push the lemongrass mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the lemongrass mixture. Add the cooked rice, beef, and diced onion. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until everything is well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Fried Rice with Feta and Olives
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in this twist on traditional fried rice. This dish combines savory feta cheese, briny olives, and aromatic spices for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed bell peppers; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked rice, pitted green olives, crumbled feta cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until ingredients are well combined and heated through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Mushroom Fried Rice
Vegan Mushroom Fried Rice: A savory and flavorful dish that combines sautéed mushrooms with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, all wrapped up in a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, button), sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (make sure it’s vegan)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together until the rice is heated through and starting to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sriracha Bacon Fried Rice
A spicy twist on a classic Chinese dish, this Sriracha Bacon Fried Rice recipe combines the savory flavors of bacon, eggs, and soy sauce with the spicy kick of Sriracha.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, then remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until softened.
4. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan, crack in the egg, and scramble it until cooked through.
5. Mix the cooked egg with the onion mixture, then add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and Sriracha sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice with Pineapple
A twist on traditional fried rice, this sweet and sour version adds a burst of tropical flavor from pineapple. Perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup diced pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sweet and sour sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in the garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the remaining oil, then add the cooked rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Add the pineapple, soy sauce, and sweet and sour sauce. Stir-fry until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ginger Scallion Fried Rice with Crispy Shallots
This recipe combines the savory flavors of ginger, scallions, and soy sauce with the crunch of crispy shallots to create a mouthwatering fried rice dish. Perfect as a main course or side, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup crispy shallots (see note)
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add cooked rice, scallions, soy sauce, and salt. Stir-fry until well combined and heated through.
5. Top with crispy shallots and cilantro (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: To make crispy shallots, thinly slice 1/4 cup of shallots and separate into individual rings. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess, and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your fried rice game! This article features 18 mouth-watering and flavorful fried rice recipes perfect for every occasion. From classic Chinese egg fried rice to spicy Thai pineapple fried rice, and from Korean kimchi fried rice with crispy pork belly to Mediterranean fried rice with feta and olives, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, sweet, or spicy, these recipes are sure to impress.
